Cannonball Restaurant & Bar is a restaurant in Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Rated 4.4 stars from 766 Google reviews. Known for venison & scottish game and fish & chips execution. Best for groups & celebrations and solo dining. Price range: €€.
Rankings updated June 2026
Cannonball Restaurant & Bar
| Rating | 4.4★ |
| Reviews | 766 |
| Best for | Groups & celebrations |
Quick Verdict
A castle-adjacent Scottish fine-dining spot where locally-sourced game and seafood meet attentive service and period charm—worth the tourist footfall.
You want Michelin-standard Scottish cooking with castle views and staff who treat you like a regular on day one.
About Cannonball Restaurant & Bar
Cannonball occupies a 17th-century stone building steps from Edinburgh Castle, commanding window views of the fortress and Royal Mile. The kitchen specialises in Scottish provenance—haggis bon bons, venison, red deer, oysters, and locally-sourced fish—executed with refinement that reviewers consistently compare to fine-dining standards. Signature dishes (pork belly, fish and chips, beef wellington when available) arrive hot, properly seasoned, and generously portioned. The venue splits across multiple zones: a cocktail bar, casual bar seating, and a dining room, making it equally suited to walk-ins seeking a quick whisky or groups booking multi-course dinners. Service stands out across the board—staff named individually in reviews (Sienna, Esteban, Craig, Mae, Liam) for attentiveness, warmth, and the rare balance of care without hovering. The wine pairing programme draws praise. Atmosphere is described as cosy, sfeervol (Dutch: atmospheric), and dignified—a place where solo diners feel welcomed and families with mobility challenges find accommodation via lift access. At 4.4 stars across 766 reviews, it sits solidly above the Grassmarket median and delivers the kind of consistency that keeps visitors returning.
What Stands Out
Venison & Scottish game
Red deer, venison, and locally-sourced proteins consistently praised as 'dream' quality and 'the best I've had in a long time'—signature dishes that justify repeat visits.
Fish & chips execution
Multiple reviewers cite these as 'the best we've had'—crispy, hot, properly seasoned, and generously portioned, a benchmark dish that sets the kitchen's standard.
Named staff attentiveness
Sienna, Esteban, Craig, Mae, and Liam are individually cited for warmth, professionalism, and the rare ability to balance care with space—no rushing, genuine welcome.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Cannonball Restaurant & Bar
Yes. Solo diners report feeling welcomed and comfortable, with attentive staff creating a warm atmosphere. One reviewer noted: 'I was in my own, but felt alone for no moment.'
Walk-ins are possible, especially at the bar, but booking is recommended—particularly if you want a window seat with castle views, which staff will reserve on request.
Haggis bon bons, red deer, venison, pork belly, oysters, and fish & chips. The menu changes seasonally, so beef wellington and other specials may not always be available.
Yes. The venue includes a dedicated cocktail bar zone with happy hour specials, separate from the dining room and casual bar seating.
Yes. Lift access is available for those with mobility challenges, making the dining room accessible.
Historic 17th-century setting with castle views, described as cosy and atmospheric. Suitable for both casual lunches and special occasions.
Also in Grassmarket
View all13 venues changed rank in Grassmarket this week → See full zone ranking
How We Rank Venues
Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
How our monthly rankings work